New senior cleric appointed for the whole of west Cornwall

A new senior Anglican cleric for the whole of west Cornwall has been appointed to oversee all parishes west of Padstow and St Austell.

The Reverend Canon Bill Stuart-White was appointed Archdeacon of Cornwall after the recent installation of the previous archdeacon, the Venerable Roger Bush, as Dean of Truro.

Bill recently celebrated 25 years as a priest and has long experience of working in the Diocese of Truro, including ministry in the parishes of Camborne, Linkinhorne and Stoke Climsland.

He is presently priest-in-charge at St Breoke and Egloshayle in Wadebridge, diocesan rural link officer and an honorary canon of Truro Cathedral.

The Bishop of Truro, the Right Reverend Tim Thornton, said Bill was "an experienced parish priest and gifted preacher and teacher, who understands the need to work alongside people and to listen to them"

He added: "Bill will begin to take up his new duties in mid-December and I know that he will bring to this role wisdom, sensitivity, an ability to listen and discern and, when necessary, the willingness to speak a hard word."

As rural link officer, Bill has formed close links with farmers and many other groups involved with agriculture across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, and he has been involved with the training of young people entering the rural industries and with ministry at the Royal Cornwall Show.

Commenting on his appointment, Bill said: "It’s a great honour and challenge to be asked to undertake this role.

"These are not the easiest of times for anyone, and that includes the Church of England, but I believe firmly that, if we can focus on the mission God gives us, the church can once again be good news for Cornwall.

"As Archdeacon I look forward to working closely with the clergy and people of the area, much of which I’m familiar with from my years in Camborne, as we face the challenges of 'discovering God’s Kingdom and growing the Church' in the western half of Cornwall."

Married to Brenda, Bill has a keen interest in the countryside and enjoys walking, especially on Cornwall’s wonderful coastal path.

He is also a keen fan of local rugby and is often to be found on a Saturday afternoon cheering on a local club.

The new Archdeacon of Cornwall will be welcomed and installed at a special service in Truro Cathedral at 4pm on December 16.